IThe 80s were a time that marked the exponential rise of the NBA. The battles between Celtics and Lakers, the ‘Bad Boys’ of Isaiah Thomas and Joe Dumars and the beginning of Jordanian bulls They began the international growth of the best basketball league in the world.
The duels of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird and… Converse. The historic sneaker brand has had memorable moments. Its high point was this decade. Later, Nike, Jordan and Adidas took center stage and equipped the professionals. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder point guard and league star, was in charge of bringing them back to memory.
Since its creation in 1908, the Massachusetts-born company is linked to basketball. One of the most recognized models, the chuck taylor, It is named after a player who adopted them as his usual footwear. With the huge growth from several brands (Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, Puma), were left aside. But they were important part of the league.
80s stars pose in Converse
All stars, young and old, wore the American brand. On every track, always present. Bird, Magic, Isiah Thomas, Kevin McHale, Mark Aguirre, Dr J, Bernard King... the elite that promotes the product, which has dissipated over the years.
Choose your weapon. This was Converse’s motto, focused on the duel that marked the 80s, Lakers-Celtics and Magic-Bird, to reach the entire world. In full time of expansion for the worldthe message could not be clearer.
Back to the present
Currently, few players use them in every game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Draymond Green, De’Aaron Fox and Kelly Oubre they are the main names.
The Thunder point guard, in victory against the Warriors at Chase Center (109-128),He enchanted his fans with some curious Converse, completely gold, which were the great attraction in preparation for the meeting. With them, the Willy Wonka x Converse All-Star BB Trilliant CX Low, he was the best in the duel, with 24 points and 7 assists.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. the Golden State Warriors
Shai signed with Converse in summer 2020, being one of the pioneers of the new decade. Another of the players with more style on and off the court, Kelly Oubre, also linked to the brand. Draymond has been the big face in recent seasons, although Kings star De’Aaron Fox is now the other big face.
Other NBA players who wear these shoes are Malik Beasley (Milwaukee Bucks), Jordan Clarkson (Uta Jazz), PJ Tucker (Los Angeles Clippers) and De’Anthony Melton (Philadelphia), among others.
A trip to the past with illusion for the future. It looks like those sneakers that were once instrumental in the league’s growth are back in fashion. From Larry and Magic to Shai. Converse never went out of style in the NBA.
